Blyth Spartans will fly the flag for the North East in the first round of the FA Trophy at Warrington Town today.

And with Robbie Dale and Liam Gildea extremely doubtful, manager Harry Dunn has moved to bring in Andrew Appleby on loan from Hartlepool. Current form suggests Premier Division side Blyth have a good chance since Warrington are second from bottom in Division One.

Gateshead entertain Radcliffe Borough in the Premier Division at the International Stadium, and manager Colin Richardson has boosted his squad with a couple of players this week.

Full-back Craig Robinson has joined from Frickley Athletic and centre-back Terry Taylor has moved in from AFC Barnsley.

Bishop Auckland are well adrift in Division One and boss Brian Healy is trying desperately to bring in new faces, especially as Dale Mendum is a definite absentee through injury for the game with Spalding United at the Brewery Field.